Brandon Twp.- Lake Louise Church of the Nazarene is celebrating 50 years in the community.
The church opened in its current location, 2300 S. Ortonville Road, on New Year’s Day in 1957, says Pastor Dave Gerber. The congregation numbered about 50 at that time. Today, there are about 120 members. An addition was built in 1984.
‘Fifty years is a big deal in the community,? says Gerber, who has been pastor at the church for more than seven years. ‘This faith community has touched a lot of people. A lot of people got married here and more than a few should be reminded of the longevity here.?
The church began as a vision of the Richfield Church of the Nazarene in Otisville, Gerber noted. Its official beginning was in the old Grange Hall building on Grange Hall Road. The Reverend James Mellish was the first pastor of the church, and the last founding member, Betty Stone, died two years ago.
Nazarene is a denomination that is 100 years-old and whose doctrine is, Gerber says, ‘to live a life of love for God and love for others.?
‘Church today is less about being defined by cant’s than the cans,? he said. ‘Music, preaching styles, and culture have changed… We’re not so concerned about don’t do this or that, but be Jesus where you are. Live a Christ-like life in your work, neighborhood, family, school, where ever you are.?
On Sept. 30, church members will celebrate the anniversary of their church by doing some community work from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., including painting the concession stands by the ballfields at Cedar and Ball streets in Ortonville, as well as picking up trash around town. They will also make new signs for three historic cemeteries in the township. At 5 p.m., they will have a dinner at the church. The menu will include barbecue pork sandwiches, chicken, baked beans and potato salad. From 5:30-7 p.m., they will have games and a bonfire. The public is invited to all events.
Gerber invites anyone with interesting stories of the church to send an e-mail to pastor@llcn.org.